Karen A. Lawyea

Kirkville-Karen A. Lawyea, 79, passed away peacefully with the love and support of her husband, Howard, and her sons at her side on early Saturday morning, May 28, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Karen was born in Syracuse, on Christmas Day, December 25, 1942, the daughter of the late Robert and Laura Chunko Elmer.  Karen was raised in Chittenango and was a graduate of Chittenango High School. She married Howard Lawyea at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chittenango on June 27, 1964.  Karen had worked for many years in the food service department at Fayetteville-Manlius School.  She had previously worked for the Chittenango School District, and also Syracuse Plastics.  Karen was an avid bingo player at the Turning Stone Casino and many other Bingo Halls. She made numerous life-long friends at bingo. Karen and Howard would love their many road trips that took them on new adventures and sights; all the way from Vermont to Florida. Most of all, Karen was a kind and loving person devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Karen leaves behind her beloved husband of almost 58 years, Howard; her cherished children, Michael Lawyea and David Lawyea; a special daughter-in-law Janean Lawyea; cherished grandchildren; Michael Evan Lawyea and Camryn Renee Lawyea; her sisters; Patricia Olmstead of North Chittenango, Barbara Dwyer of East Syracuse; a brother-in-law Henry Todeschini.  Karen is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Laura, as well as a sister Cathy.

A visitation will be held on Friday June 10, 2022 from 5-7 PM at the Coolican-McSweeney and Paul Funeral Home, 322 Washington Avenue, in Oneida. A prayer service will follow the visitation.  Interment services will be private. Funeral arrangements and family care is being provided by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Coolican-McSweeney & Paul Funeral Home. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit: coolican-mcsweeney.com

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